Kidd to miss All-Star Game

East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) – New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd
announced on Wednesday that he will not participate in Sunday’s All-Star Game
due to a strained lower back.

“It was an honor to be selected by the coaches to participate in this year’s
All-Star Game,” said Kidd. “However, my injury needs rest in order to heal
properly, so I will unfortunately not be able to play.”

Kidd missed a game for the first time this season on Tuesday against San
Antonio and will also not play against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.

Before Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, Kidd hadn’t missed a game due to sickness
or injury since December 4, 2004.

Kidd, who was named an All-Star for the eighth time, is averaging 14.3 points,
8.7 assists and a career-best eight rebounds per game this season.